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Malvern’s plan to give sanctuary to Syrian refugees met with barriers Malvern’s plan to give sanctuary to Syrian refugees met with barriers
(about 5 hours later)
Over the last century the hillside spa town of Malvern has provided a safe haven for hundreds of refugees who have fled wars, disasters and dictators.Over the last century the hillside spa town of Malvern has provided a safe haven for hundreds of refugees who have fled wars, disasters and dictators.
So when a group of townsfolk tried to arrange the safe passage of a dozen Syrian families to this peaceful corner of Worcestershire under a much-vaunted government scheme, they imagined it would be relatively straightforward.So when a group of townsfolk tried to arrange the safe passage of a dozen Syrian families to this peaceful corner of Worcestershire under a much-vaunted government scheme, they imagined it would be relatively straightforward.
Far from it. For more than six months the Malvern Welcomes Syrian Families group has faced bureaucracy, buck-passing and, ultimately, a firm “no thanks” from social services, education and health chiefs who argue the arrival of even such a small group of refugees would be an unpopular burden on local taxpayers.Far from it. For more than six months the Malvern Welcomes Syrian Families group has faced bureaucracy, buck-passing and, ultimately, a firm “no thanks” from social services, education and health chiefs who argue the arrival of even such a small group of refugees would be an unpopular burden on local taxpayers.
“It is hugely disappointing,” said Sue Wolfendale, a member of the steering committee set up to try to smooth the way for the refugees. “We’ve got a network of good people ready to help – to teach English, provide transport, decorate and renovate homes. People want to do their bit but it feels as if obstacles are being put in our way.”“It is hugely disappointing,” said Sue Wolfendale, a member of the steering committee set up to try to smooth the way for the refugees. “We’ve got a network of good people ready to help – to teach English, provide transport, decorate and renovate homes. People want to do their bit but it feels as if obstacles are being put in our way.”
What is happening in Malvern is not an isolated example. Across the UK, citizens, charities and some local authorities have expressed interest in helping bring in refugees under the government’s Syrian vulnerable persons relocation scheme but have been thwarted. Only 187 people have arrived through the scheme since it was launched in January last year.What is happening in Malvern is not an isolated example. Across the UK, citizens, charities and some local authorities have expressed interest in helping bring in refugees under the government’s Syrian vulnerable persons relocation scheme but have been thwarted. Only 187 people have arrived through the scheme since it was launched in January last year.
People want to do their bit but it feels as if obstacles are being put in our wayPeople want to do their bit but it feels as if obstacles are being put in our way
Organisations that work with refugees are critical. They see the government’s scheme as unambitious and half-hearted – no quota has been set and only several hundred are expected to be given refuge in the UK under it. Campaigners also believe local authorities are failing in many cases to play their part.Organisations that work with refugees are critical. They see the government’s scheme as unambitious and half-hearted – no quota has been set and only several hundred are expected to be given refuge in the UK under it. Campaigners also believe local authorities are failing in many cases to play their part.
Lisa Doyle, head of advocacy at the Refugee Council, said the number of vulnerable Syrian refugees being cared for in the UK was pitiful. “Events in the Middle East have fuelled the greatest refugee crisis since the second world war,” she said. “The extent of the government’s ambition to resettle a few hundred people woefully pales in comparison to the thousands of life-saving resettlement places being offered by other European countries like Germany and Norway.”Lisa Doyle, head of advocacy at the Refugee Council, said the number of vulnerable Syrian refugees being cared for in the UK was pitiful. “Events in the Middle East have fuelled the greatest refugee crisis since the second world war,” she said. “The extent of the government’s ambition to resettle a few hundred people woefully pales in comparison to the thousands of life-saving resettlement places being offered by other European countries like Germany and Norway.”
Doyle denied that Syrian refugees would be a burden on communities such as Malvern. She said each family would include someone struggling to survive: a child with a medical condition, perhaps, or an adult who has been tortured or injured – and there would be a cost. But she pointed out that other family members would not be a burden and, indeed, would be keen to contribute to a community that had stepped in to save a loved one.Doyle denied that Syrian refugees would be a burden on communities such as Malvern. She said each family would include someone struggling to survive: a child with a medical condition, perhaps, or an adult who has been tortured or injured – and there would be a cost. But she pointed out that other family members would not be a burden and, indeed, would be keen to contribute to a community that had stepped in to save a loved one.
Related: ‘In the spirit of the Kindertransport we want to extend a warm welcome to Syria’s refugees’
“We must also grasp every opportunity we can to uphold Britain’s proud tradition of being a place of refuge for people fleeing unimaginable atrocities,” said Doyle. “Communities like Malvern have shown their eagerness to help uphold this reputation; they must be supported to play a vital part in responding to this historic refugee crisis by offering safe haven to a handful of Syria’s refugees.”“We must also grasp every opportunity we can to uphold Britain’s proud tradition of being a place of refuge for people fleeing unimaginable atrocities,” said Doyle. “Communities like Malvern have shown their eagerness to help uphold this reputation; they must be supported to play a vital part in responding to this historic refugee crisis by offering safe haven to a handful of Syria’s refugees.”
The government initially did not plan to offer places for any vulnerable refugees, instead focusing its efforts on providing aid to Syria’s neighbours to help them deal with the crisis. After criticism and lobbying it introduced the vulnerable persons scheme to pave a way for selected refugees to come to the UK.The government initially did not plan to offer places for any vulnerable refugees, instead focusing its efforts on providing aid to Syria’s neighbours to help them deal with the crisis. After criticism and lobbying it introduced the vulnerable persons scheme to pave a way for selected refugees to come to the UK.
It does not say where the 187 refugees have gone, on privacy grounds. Glasgow, for one, has said it has housed 55 people (11 families). The city council says they have settled well.It does not say where the 187 refugees have gone, on privacy grounds. Glasgow, for one, has said it has housed 55 people (11 families). The city council says they have settled well.
Other councils are still trying to work out how to make the scheme work 18 months after it was announced. Birmingham, for example, has said it wants to take in vulnerable Syrian refugees but is still only at the discussion stage.Other councils are still trying to work out how to make the scheme work 18 months after it was announced. Birmingham, for example, has said it wants to take in vulnerable Syrian refugees but is still only at the discussion stage.
Some councils have also expressed frustration. Kingston council in south-west London says it is struggling because the rules laid down by the government on how the scheme should operate are so tight – for instance, there are precise rules on the type of housing that is deemed suitable.Some councils have also expressed frustration. Kingston council in south-west London says it is struggling because the rules laid down by the government on how the scheme should operate are so tight – for instance, there are precise rules on the type of housing that is deemed suitable.
The government rejects suggestions that it is at fault. A spokesman said the UK was at the forefront of the international response to the Syrian crisis. He said: “Through the vulnerable persons relocation scheme we are working closely with the UN high commissioner for refugees to identify those most at risk and bring them to the UK. The scheme is helping those in the greatest need. Local authorities and partners have played a vital role in helping those arriving here to settle into a new life in the UK. We welcome offers of support from any local authority which is able to assist.”The government rejects suggestions that it is at fault. A spokesman said the UK was at the forefront of the international response to the Syrian crisis. He said: “Through the vulnerable persons relocation scheme we are working closely with the UN high commissioner for refugees to identify those most at risk and bring them to the UK. The scheme is helping those in the greatest need. Local authorities and partners have played a vital role in helping those arriving here to settle into a new life in the UK. We welcome offers of support from any local authority which is able to assist.”
The idea of bringing refugees to Malvern was raised by the local Amnesty International group in November. The following month Malvern Hills district council agreed that the area should find a way of hosting a small number of Syrian refugees and began to investigate practical ways of making it happen.The idea of bringing refugees to Malvern was raised by the local Amnesty International group in November. The following month Malvern Hills district council agreed that the area should find a way of hosting a small number of Syrian refugees and began to investigate practical ways of making it happen.
Under the scheme, central government covers the first year’s costs, including health, education and social care of refugees who arrive under the scheme. But the question was: what happened after the 12-month period? Who picked up any further bills?Under the scheme, central government covers the first year’s costs, including health, education and social care of refugees who arrive under the scheme. But the question was: what happened after the 12-month period? Who picked up any further bills?
The matter was passed on to the Conservative-controlled Worcestershire county council, which holds the purse strings for education and social care. For months its members and officers – and health officials – discussed and investigated the implications.The matter was passed on to the Conservative-controlled Worcestershire county council, which holds the purse strings for education and social care. For months its members and officers – and health officials – discussed and investigated the implications.
When the idea finally reached the council’s cabinet, it did not find favour. The leadership said the idea of the scheme was to bring refugees to urban rather than rural areas (the Home Office denies this is the case). In addition, council leaders raised the prospect of refugees arriving not just from Syria but from Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Eritrea and Ethiopia – though the scheme is aimed solely at Syrians.When the idea finally reached the council’s cabinet, it did not find favour. The leadership said the idea of the scheme was to bring refugees to urban rather than rural areas (the Home Office denies this is the case). In addition, council leaders raised the prospect of refugees arriving not just from Syria but from Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Eritrea and Ethiopia – though the scheme is aimed solely at Syrians.
But the bottom line, in these cash-strapped times, is money. The leadership was worried its council tax payers would end up footing the bill for any continuing services the refugees needed when central government funding ended after a year. Officers estimated that it could cost £150,000 a year to look after the 12 families.But the bottom line, in these cash-strapped times, is money. The leadership was worried its council tax payers would end up footing the bill for any continuing services the refugees needed when central government funding ended after a year. Officers estimated that it could cost £150,000 a year to look after the 12 families.
The council leader, Adrian Hardman, argued at the cabinet meeting that compassion was one the reasons people stood for office. But his message was stark: “The majority of our funding comes from Worcestershire council tax payers who, I believe, expect their money to be spent on Worcestershire residents.”The council leader, Adrian Hardman, argued at the cabinet meeting that compassion was one the reasons people stood for office. But his message was stark: “The majority of our funding comes from Worcestershire council tax payers who, I believe, expect their money to be spent on Worcestershire residents.”
We’ve welcomed people in need before; we should find a way to do it nowWe’ve welcomed people in need before; we should find a way to do it now
The Malvern district and town Green councillor Julian Roskams, who was town mayor when the idea of welcoming refugees was first mooted (his term of office has since expired) said he believed the county council was misjudging the willingness of Worcestershire people to help. “The county council has not actually asked what people want,” he said.The Malvern district and town Green councillor Julian Roskams, who was town mayor when the idea of welcoming refugees was first mooted (his term of office has since expired) said he believed the county council was misjudging the willingness of Worcestershire people to help. “The county council has not actually asked what people want,” he said.
He had been one of the champions of the idea of bringing in Syrians partly because it fitted in neatly with the 100th anniversary of the arrival of 500 Belgian refugees, who were warmly welcomed into the area during the first world war. “It seemed a really good way of celebrating that proud history,” said Roskams, himself the descendant of 17th-century refugees who fled the Greater Netherlands for England as part of the Huguenot exodus.He had been one of the champions of the idea of bringing in Syrians partly because it fitted in neatly with the 100th anniversary of the arrival of 500 Belgian refugees, who were warmly welcomed into the area during the first world war. “It seemed a really good way of celebrating that proud history,” said Roskams, himself the descendant of 17th-century refugees who fled the Greater Netherlands for England as part of the Huguenot exodus.
Displays at Malvern Museum of Local History are a reminder of the town’s generosity to the Belgians. Large houses were provided, children donated chocolate, and sewing groups made clothes for refugees and toys for their children. Later Malvern gave sanctuary to people ranging from Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi Germany to Asian Ugandans who were forced out in the 1970s by Idi Amin.Displays at Malvern Museum of Local History are a reminder of the town’s generosity to the Belgians. Large houses were provided, children donated chocolate, and sewing groups made clothes for refugees and toys for their children. Later Malvern gave sanctuary to people ranging from Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi Germany to Asian Ugandans who were forced out in the 1970s by Idi Amin.
A yellowing newspaper clipping from the 1950s describes a fete held to raise money for Austrian refugees. “Malvern is a place where everybody gets together to help everybody else,” the councillor Robert King, chairman of the district council, said as he opened the fundraiser.A yellowing newspaper clipping from the 1950s describes a fete held to raise money for Austrian refugees. “Malvern is a place where everybody gets together to help everybody else,” the councillor Robert King, chairman of the district council, said as he opened the fundraiser.
Faith Renger, curator at the museum, said she hoped that was still true. “It is clear that Malvern residents throughout the 20th century were very compassionate and open-hearted in receiving refugees from different war theatres,” she said. “Houses, food, clothes, education, entertainment, employment and love were offered unstintingly by local people.”Faith Renger, curator at the museum, said she hoped that was still true. “It is clear that Malvern residents throughout the 20th century were very compassionate and open-hearted in receiving refugees from different war theatres,” she said. “Houses, food, clothes, education, entertainment, employment and love were offered unstintingly by local people.”
Despite the lack of encouragement from the county council, the Syrian steering committee is pressing ahead. It has spoken to Syrian refugees already in the UK and has held a weekend workshop to plan its next steps. Its members plan to lobby the next full county council meeting to attempt to change their minds.Despite the lack of encouragement from the county council, the Syrian steering committee is pressing ahead. It has spoken to Syrian refugees already in the UK and has held a weekend workshop to plan its next steps. Its members plan to lobby the next full county council meeting to attempt to change their minds.
Vivienne Jones, a member of the Churches Together group in Malvern who also sits on the steering committee, recalls how supportive the area was when three families of so-called Vietnamese boat people arrived in 1979.Vivienne Jones, a member of the Churches Together group in Malvern who also sits on the steering committee, recalls how supportive the area was when three families of so-called Vietnamese boat people arrived in 1979.
Just as when the Belgians came to town, volunteers helped spruce up homes and donated food. One of the children went on to win a scholarship to Oxford. “They were educated, intelligent and integrated well,” said Jones. They became cherished members of our community. We’ve welcomed people in need before; we should find a way to do it now.”Just as when the Belgians came to town, volunteers helped spruce up homes and donated food. One of the children went on to win a scholarship to Oxford. “They were educated, intelligent and integrated well,” said Jones. They became cherished members of our community. We’ve welcomed people in need before; we should find a way to do it now.”